Rep. Michael McMahon's message to Gov. David Paterson: Resign

Rep. Michael McMahon, right, says Gov. David Paterson staying in office is "a distraction."STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rep. Michael McMahon (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) today called upon scandal-plagued Gov. David Paterson to resign from office and hand off to Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch, a veteran of city and state government.

"[Paterson's] staying in office as a lame duck is a distraction," McMahon told the Advance. "There could be impeachment proceedings. Dick Ravitch is there. He can get the state through the next budget."

Paterson today went from "accidental governor" to the lamest of lame ducks.

Citing the State Police scandal that has rocked his administration, Paterson said that he was folding up his recently announced campaign and would not seek a four-year term in the Albany statehouse.

At a news conference in Manhattan, Paterson cited an accumulation of distractions, but said he had never abused his office.

"But I am being realistic about politics," he said. "It hasn't been the latest distraction ... It's been an accumulation of obstacles that have obfuscated me from bringing my message to the public."

Paterson insisted that he would not resign and said he would serve out his term "fighting for the state of New York."

Media reports raised questions about how Paterson and State Police officials responded to a domestic abuse complaint lodged against a trusted aide from Harlem, David Johnson.

Court papers said State Police may have pressured the woman to not level criminal charges against Johnson. The newspaper also said Paterson spoke with the woman personally, although the governor's office said it was the woman who placed the call.

But she did say that Paterson should hand the budget reins over to Ravitch, a former chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and a onetime mayoral candidate.

After his brawls with the Legislature over the last few months, Ms. Savino said she doubted whether Paterson could be a part of budget negotiations.

"I don't know if he can find a way to walk himself back into the room and be part of the process," she said. "I don't know if people will let him."

Paterson's announcement opens the door for a gubernatorial run by Democratic Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, son of the former governor.

In a statement released by his office, McMahon said he was among those New York lawmakers who had joined with members of President Barack Obama's political team earlier this year to urge Paterson to step aside in favor of Cuomo.

McMahon today said Cuomo has "the experience, gravitas and leadership that New York needs."

"I hope Democrats will unite behind Andrew Cuomo and help elect him our next governor," he said.